Richard Nicholson is a Local Authority arboriculturist and Chartered Forester.

In 1989 he was awarded a Professional Diploma in Arboriculture and has been a Fellow of the Arboricultural Association for 21 years.

He holds an education degree and has over 14 years experience running arboricultural workshops and training sessions, in addition to which he:

• In 1999 established the Arboricultural Training Initiative (ATI),  providing arboricultural training to local authorities.

• Is an examiner for the theory and management sections of the Professional Diploma in Arboriculture.

• Presents workshops for the National Association of Tree Officers.

• Chaired the review group for BS 5837:2005 Recommendations for Trees in relation to construction and is currently chairing the review of that document.

• Has authored papers on trees and development published in the Arboricultural Journal.

Richard has more than 20 years experience working as an Arboricultural Officer in Local Authority Planning and is currently responsible for delivery of Planning S106 projects with the Leisure Services unit at the Borough of Poole.